My wife's journey on the wings of hope and heroes…

**Please note that this was the final update made on CareForChristine.com, the website updated by her husband after her relapse with leukemia. The original update was posted on November 13, 2008 and it has been migrated to WordPress in order to preserve its content. CareForChristine.com is a tribute to Christine’s courage and determination as she fought her way to recover from a bone marrow transplant. She beat leukemia and is now living with her family in NY.

WHY AM I PUMPED UP AND SO UTTERLY HAPPY RIGHT NOW!?! It’s because after 6 years and almost 9 months my wife Christine is officially cured from leukemia!!! The wait is finally over!!!

In March of 2002 my wife Christine was diagnosed with leukemia, AML or acute myelogenous leukemia to be exact. Within a week of the initial blood test that showed the blood cancer Christine began treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).

Initially we tried chemotherapy as the sole treatment to get Christine well again. She unfortunately relapsed 9 months into her first remission. We then pursued a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) in a coordinated effort between MSKCC and the national bone marrow registry. We needed to find an unrelated donor, someone in the world who could help us. We found that person and on November 13, 2003 Christine underwent the extremely risky procedure in an attempt to replace her body’s blood with that of a donor’s.

The trials were great., the obstacles were many, and the come back trail was a long and rigorous trek. Despite the chips stacked against her, Christine completed the procedure and began her recovery. With the help of the MSKCC doctors and nurses, an anonymous donor, and our family and friends, Christine was able to persevere and recover. She defied the odds.

Our daughter Kailey was 7 months old when Christine was initially diagnosed. We were just starting our married life together. We were thrust into a world of unknowns without any warning. The journey was long and hard, but we’ve travelled it together along with many of you reading this today.

On November 12, 2008, 5 years minus one day after her BMT, Christine received official word from the saint who is her doctor, that she is cured from the cancer that invaded her blood and almost took her life. On November 12th I received word that my wife and hero was cured from the leukemia that disrupted our normal family life almost 6 years and 9 months ago. On November 12th Kailey learned that her mom would be home for good.

I counted down because I’m extremely happy and proud that I can report wonderful news where there is too often none to be found. This is my equivalence of shouting from the rooftops!!! CHRISTINE IS CURED! CHRISTINE IS CURED!

CHRISTINE IS CURED!!!

I can only begin to think that anyone knows how absolutely amazing a moment this really is for me and my family. As my family and friends I’m hoping you actually do feel the magic. I’m beside myself right now! I have a smile I just can’t get rid of.

November 13, 2008 is Christine’s official 5 year mark and date to say “I’m Cured!” Those are words she’s been avoiding for such a long time but has to shy away from no more.

To my wife,

It’s fitting that these words should close a chapter in our lives that we’d rather soon forget as they’re replaced with happier more cheerful memories of our time together. No matter how far away this time gets though, I will never ever forget the courage and determination of one very special young woman. A young woman I’m proud to call my wife. I love you.